The Best Easy Shredded Mexican Chicken Recipe for Tacos, Salads, and More
Discover > Texas Recipes > The Best Easy Shredded Mexican Chicken Recipe for Tacos, Salads, and More
If you're a Texan or have ever visited the Lone Star State, you know just how much Texans love their Tex-Mex cuisine. From sizzling fajitas to mouthwatering enchiladas, the Tex-Mex flavors are an integral part of the Texan food culture. One dish that stands out and has become a true Texas favorite is the Easy Shredded Mexican Chicken (how long does chicken last?) – a versatile, flavorful, and oh-so-delicious recipe that's perfect for tacos, salads, and so much more!
Quick and Flavorful Tex-Mex Delight!
Are you craving a meal that's bursting with bold and vibrant flavors, yet easy to whip up? Look no further! This Easy Shredded Mexican Chicken recipe ticks all the boxes and more. In just 30 minutes, you can have a mouthwatering shredded chicken that will elevate your tacos, burritos, taquitos, nachos, and even salads to a whole new level of deliciousness.
All About This Shredded Mexican Chicken Recipe
The process is simple and straightforward. Begin by browning tender chicken breasts or thighs in a skillet with a touch of olive oil. The chicken is then simmered to perfection in a rich blend of diced tomatoes, green chilies, and a medley of spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper for that Tex-Mex kick! The result is succulent, Mexican shredded chicken infused with a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
Cooking Method: The Secret to Perfection
What sets this shredded Mexican chicken apart is its cooking method. We take the extra step to ensure maximum flavor and moisture retention, resulting in ultra-tender chicken that melts in your mouth. First, we sear the chicken to lock in those delicious juices and create a beautiful caramelized exterior. Then, we gently poach the chicken in a flavorful broth, allowing the meat to soak up all the incredible spices and aromas.
The combination of searing and poaching guarantees that each bite of this shredded chicken is bursting with succulence and depth of flavor. Say goodbye to dry and bland chicken forever – this method ensures a mouthwatering experience with every forkful.
Quick and Easy: Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Life can get hectic, but that doesn't mean sacrificing taste and quality. This shredded Mexican chicken comes to the rescue with its quick and easy preparation. In just 30 minutes, you'll have a delectable chicken ready to take center stage in your favorite dishes.
Whether you're feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or hosting an impromptu gathering with friends, this recipe will save the day. With minimal effort and maximum satisfaction, you'll wonder why you haven't been making this chicken more often!
Bursting with Flavor: A Symphony of Spices
The key to any outstanding Mexican dish is bold and vibrant flavors, and this shredded chicken is no exception. We've carefully crafted a combination of spices that dance on your palate with each bite. From the earthy warmth of chili powder to the aromatic richness of cumin and the slight kick of cayenne pepper, every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a tantalizing experience.
Not to forget the magic of poaching the chicken in a fragrant chicken broth (how long does chicken broth last?), infusing the meat with layers of savory goodness. The result? A symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for more.
Versatile and Irresistible
One of the best things about this Mexican shredded chicken recipe is its versatility. Load it into soft tortillas for mouthwatering tacos, roll it into burritos for a satisfying handheld meal, or layer it in enchiladas for a cheesy delight. Feeling adventurous? Pile it on top of crunchy nachos for the ultimate party snack or toss it into a fresh salad for a healthy and hearty meal.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this shredded chicken is guaranteed to steal the spotlight and leave your guests craving for more.
The Texas Connection
You might be wondering, why is this particular shredded Mexican chicken so popular in Texas? Well, Texas has a unique culinary heritage influenced by its Mexican neighbors, which led to the creation of Tex-Mex cuisine. The Tex-Mex style combines traditional Mexican dishes with American flavors, resulting in a fusion of bold tastes and hearty portions that Texans can't resist.
Texans love the Easy Shredded Mexican Chicken because it embodies everything they adore about Tex-Mex food – it's easy to make, packed with robust flavors, and incredibly versatile. Whether it's a family taco night, a backyard fiesta, or a quick lunch on the go, this shredded chicken recipe has got you covered.
About the Ingredients
Let's dive into some essential notes on the key ingredients of this shredded Mexican chicken recipe:
Chicken: Versatility at Its Best
One of the beauties of this shredded Mexican chicken recipe lies in its flexibility when it comes to the choice of chicken. You can use either boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, depending on your preference or what you have available. Both cuts will yield tender and flavorful results once shredded.
For those who prefer leaner meat, boneless chicken breasts are an excellent choice. They have a mild taste and work well with the bold spices and flavors of the dish. On the other hand, chicken thighs boast a slightly higher fat content, making them incredibly juicy and ideal for retaining moisture during cooking. The richness of chicken thighs adds another layer of depth to the final tender shredded chicken.
Ultimately, the choice between chicken breast and thighs comes down to personal preference and dietary preferences, but rest assured that both options will deliver a fantastic result.
Chicken Broth: The Poaching Powerhouse
In this recipe, chicken broth plays a crucial role in poaching the chicken and infusing it with irresistible flavors. Poaching, a gentle cooking method, ensures that the chicken remains tender and juicy while soaking up the delicious spices.
If you have chicken broth on hand, it's undoubtedly the preferred choice. Its savory profile complements the other ingredients perfectly, enhancing the overall taste of the shredded chicken. However, don't worry if you run out of chicken broth; you can easily substitute it with water in a pinch. While the flavor might not be as intense, the poaching process will still provide a moist and succulent end result.
Learn how to make chicken broth from scratch through this TexasRealFood post.
Oil: Elevating the Chicken's Flavor
When it comes to the type of oil to use in this shredded Mexican chicken recipe, two excellent options stand out – extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil. Both oils are rich in healthy fats and add a delightful touch to the dish.
Extra virgin olive oil boasts a distinct and robust flavor that blends seamlessly with the spices, creating a harmonious taste profile. Its fruity and slightly peppery notes add an extra layer of complexity to the shredded chicken.
On the other hand, avocado oil is known for its neutral taste and high smoke point, making it an excellent choice for high-heat cooking. It allows the flavors of the spices to shine through while also contributing to the chicken's tenderness and moistness.
Ultimately, the choice of oil comes down to personal preference and availability. Whichever option you select, rest assured that your shredded Mexican chicken will be a flavorful and satisfying treat!
Make your life easier by ordering olive oil or avocado oil online; it's just a few clicks away!
Where to Find Ingredients in Texas
Living in Texas has its perks, especially when it comes to finding the freshest and finest ingredients for your next delicious dish. With a variety of local Texas farms and farmers markets, you're sure to come across an abundance of options. One of the best parts of shopping local is the ability to pick up boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs from farms that let their chickens roam free. And if you're in the mood for some Tex-Mex style cuisine, you won't have to look far for diced tomatoes and diced green chilies - both of which can be easily sourced from local Texas farms. So get your taste buds ready and start cooking up a storm with the best ingredients Texas has to offer.
If you prefer to support local markets and specialty stores, you'll find numerous options throughout Texas, especially in cities like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin. These markets often boast an impressive selection of Mexican spices, giving you the chance to experiment and personalize the dish to suit your taste.
So, whether you're a Texas native or simply a Tex-Mex enthusiast passing through, make sure to try out this Best Easy Shredded Mexican Chicken Recipe! It's a delightful culinary experience that encapsulates the vibrant and diverse flavors of the Lone Star State – from sizzling street tacos to zesty salads, this shredded chicken has got it all!
Find local Farm-To-Table Restaurants that specialize in Tex-Mex cuisine.
Step by Step Instructions
Here are the step-by-step instructions for making the Best Easy Shredded Mexican Chicken:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Taco Seasoning
To kick-start this flavorful journey, begin by preparing the chicken taco seasoning (how long does taco seasoning last?). In a small bowl, combine a perfect blend of spices to create a tantalizing mix that will infuse the chicken with irresistible flavors. You can use a combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste preferences, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper if you crave a little heat.
If you can’t find these ingredients in your local markets, you can order chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper online!
Step 2: Coat the Chicken with the Seasoning
Once your seasoning mix is ready, it's time to coat the chicken in this aromatic blend. Take the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and generously sprinkle the seasoning mixture over them. Using your hands, gently press the seasoning into the chicken, ensuring that every inch is covered with the tantalizing spice mix. This step guarantees that each bite of the shredded Mexican chicken will be bursting with mouthwatering flavors.
Step 3: Sear and Poach to Perfection
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add just a small amount of oil – extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil work wonderfully here. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken and sear it for a couple of minutes on each side. This step locks in the flavors and creates a beautiful caramelized crust on the outside of the chicken.
Now, pour in some chicken broth into the skillet, enough to partially submerge the chicken. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the chicken cook undisturbed until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). This ensures that the chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat.
The poaching process in the seasoned chicken broth further enriches the flavors and keeps the chicken tender and moist, setting the stage for the shredding process.
I highly recommend purchasing skillet and chicken broth online for a convenient shopping experience!
Step 4: Shred and Infuse the Chicken
Once the chicken has reached the desired temperature, it's time to work some magic! Using two forks, gently shred the poached chicken directly in the skillet. The chicken should easily pull apart into tantalizing shreds, ready to soak up even more deliciousness.
But wait, there's more! Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir it around, ensuring it gets coated with the remaining seasoned broth from cooking. This final step infuses the chicken with an extra burst of flavor throughout, making every morsel a delightful and savory experience.
Avoid the crowds and shop for shredding forks online from the comfort of your home!
The Result
Congratulations! You've just created a masterpiece of shredded Mexican chicken that's versatile and packed with irresistible flavors. The tender and seasoned chicken is now ready to take center stage in all your favorite Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes, from tacos and burritos to enchiladas and nachos. You can also toss it on a fresh salad for a protein-packed, zesty meal.
Get ready to savor this easy shredded Mexican chicken that comes together in just 30 minutes. With each bite, you'll experience the perfect blend of tender meat and bold spices, a culinary journey that's sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Enjoy your delectable shredded Mexican chicken in all its glory, and embrace the joy of cooking and sharing this mouthwatering delight with your loved ones!
Easy Shredded Mexican Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine all of the ingredients to make the chicken taco seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Coat the chicken on both sides with the chicken taco seasoning.
- Drizzle the olive oil and heat in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Pour in the chicken stock. Cover the skillet and let the chicken cook in the broth for about 15-20 minutes, until the chicken registers 165 degrees internally and is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet, shred using a fork, then return to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in the remaining sauce in the skillet. Let sit and keep warm on low heat for about 3-5 minutes, to get good flavor throughout the chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
151.46Fat
4.88 gSat. Fat
0.89 gCarbs
1.15 gFiber
0.37 gNet carbs
0.74 gSugar
0.22 gProtein
24.48 gSodium
685.55 mgCholesterol
73.17 mgPercentages are based on a diet of 2000 calories a day.
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